I started this series for my Intro to Digital Photography class. However, these were not shot digitally. I chose to shoot my male models using a 4x5 camera for extreme detail. I would set them in a similar studio setting as Richard Avedon used for his portraits. The lighting is very simple but is great to show extreme details in the skin and hair.

Now why did I choose Men with Beards? I never enjoyed photographing men, but decided since every flaw would show when I enlarged a 4x5 negative, why not choose something quirky like men with beards?! Most men are very proud of their facial hair, and being specifically asked to pose because of it, made things for me a lot easier.

For display, I printed these photographs at 30inches x 40inches and mounted them on black foam core.